Overview

Prince Edward Island — Canada’s smallest province — is big on charm, beauty, and hospitality. Famous for its red-sand beaches, rolling green hills, lighthouses, and literary icon Anne of Green Gables, PEI is a peaceful, storybook island where life moves at a relaxed pace. From exploring coastal trails and devouring fresh seafood to discovering the island’s Acadian and Mi’kmaq heritage, PEI offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, and coastal living.

  • Capital: Charlottetown
  • Other Main Towns: Summerside, Cavendish, Montague, Souris
  • Population: ~175,000 (2024 est.)
  • Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (UTC−4) / ADT (Daylight Saving)
  • Climate: Temperate maritime — warm summers, crisp autumns, snowy winters

Top Destinations in Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown

The capital city and the “Birthplace of Confederation” — a walkable town full of historic buildings, shops, theatre, and great seafood.

Cavendish

A seaside village made famous by Anne of Green Gables, with beaches, golf courses, amusement parks, and literary landmarks.

Green Gables Shore

A scenic region along the Gulf of St. Lawrence with red cliffs, charming villages, and Anne-themed attractions.

Points East Coastal Drive

Known for its white-sand beaches, historic lighthouses, and peaceful coastal communities.

Summerside

A cultural hub on the island’s western shore with live theatre, historic homes, and a laid-back vibe.

Must-See Attractions

  • Green Gables Heritage Place – Explore the setting that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s classic novel
  • Prince Edward Island National Park – Red sand beaches, dunes, and coastal trails
  • Confederation Centre of the Arts – Home to Anne of Green Gables: The Musical and more cultural events
  • PEI Shellfish Museum & Aquaculture Centre – Learn about the island’s seafood legacy
  • West Point Lighthouse – One of the island’s most iconic and scenic lighthouses

Things to Do

  • Cycle the Confederation Trail – Over 400 km of converted rail lines across the island
  • Attend an oyster shucking or lobster feast
  • Relax on red- or white-sand beaches like Basin Head, Brackley Beach, and Singing Sands
  • Explore Acadian culture in Evangeline Region — with music, food, and storytelling
  • Tour the island’s scenic coastal drives — North Cape, Central, and Points East routes

Getting There & Around

Getting to PEI

  • Confederation Bridge – 13 km bridge from New Brunswick (open year-round)
  • Northumberland Ferries – Seasonal ferry from Nova Scotia to Wood Islands
  • Charlottetown Airport (YYG) – Regional flights from across Eastern Canada

Getting Around

  • Rental cars are ideal for exploring beyond Charlottetown
  • Bikes are perfect for the Confederation Trail
  • Local buses in Charlottetown and limited regional service

Best Time to Visit

  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Peak season for beaches, festivals, and fresh seafood
  • Fall (Sep–Oct): Beautiful foliage, harvest events, and fewer tourists
  • Spring (May–early Jun): Blooming gardens and quiet coastal drives
  • Winter (Dec–Mar): Snowshoeing, cozy inns, and island-style holiday celebrations

Local Food & Culture

  • Cuisine: Seafood-focused with an emphasis on freshness, simplicity, and local ingredients
  • Specialties: PEI mussels, Malpeque oysters, lobster rolls, potatoes, island beef, and blueberry desserts
  • Markets: Charlottetown Farmers’ Market, Summerside Market
  • Events:
    • Charlottetown Festival – Includes Anne of Green Gables: The Musical
    • PEI International Shellfish Festival
    • Fall Flavours Culinary Festival
    • Cavendish Beach Music Festival
  • Culture: Strong Celtic, Acadian, and Mi’kmaq influences across music, crafts, and community life

Souvenirs from Prince Edward Island

  • Anne of Green Gables books, dolls, and memorabilia
  • PEI potato fudge, preserves, and sea salt
  • Handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and sea glass art
  • Local shellfish or potato-themed items
  • Celtic music CDs and Acadian crafts

Fun Facts

  • PEI is Canada’s smallest province by land and population
  • The Confederation Bridge is the longest bridge in the world over ice-covered waters
  • Anne of Green Gables has been translated into over 36 languages and draws fans from around the world
  • The island is known for its deep red soil, rich in iron oxide
  • PEI produces over 25% of Canada’s potatoes

Suggested Itineraries

3-Day Coastal Culture & Cuisine Escape

  • Day 1: Arrive in Charlottetown – explore the waterfront + dinner at a local seafood spot
  • Day 2: Drive to Cavendish – visit Green Gables + PEI National Park beach
  • Day 3: Explore Points East – lighthouse tour + oyster tasting

5-Day PEI Road Trip

  • Day 1: Charlottetown – theatre, markets, and history
  • Day 2: Cavendish – literary sites, trails, and red-sand beaches
  • Day 3: North Cape Coastal Drive – Acadian culture + music
  • Day 4: Summerside – art galleries + oceanfront boardwalk
  • Day 5: Scenic drive + island-style lunch before departure

Cities

  • Charlottetown